Handout 9 - Prions
Handout 9 - Prions
Handout 9 - Prions
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Diagnosis<br />
In the past, diagnosis of prion disease was made through<br />
examination of brain biopsies taken from patients in<br />
advanced stages of the disease or, more commonly, after<br />
they had died.<br />
In January of 1999 it was found that the prion protein<br />
accumulated in the tonsils and could be detected by an<br />
immunofluorescence test on tonsilar biopsies.<br />
3/26/2006<br />
3/26/2006<br />
Diagnosis<br />
A second test was simultaneously developed which was<br />
based on a Western blot.<br />
Later that year a third test was developed that had the high<br />
sensitivity necessary to detect the prion protein in blood.<br />
This test is based on capillary electrophoresis with laserinduced<br />
fluorescence. It detects as little as 10 -18 mole.
Change language